Tip 1: Take note of the unchangeable features of the house you may purchase. Close to freeways; under a flight path; beside a railway line; what industries are close by and high traffic congestion.

Tip 2: Always buy for your projected lifestyle. Not just the immediate but will your home of choice cater for any changes in the future such as family increases and decreases.

Tip 3: Does the area you are buying into have great public transport, particularly if you have teenage children whose driving days are still a few years away. It’s either public transport or you will have a new role as taxi driver.

Tip 4: Have you considered purchasing a "common title" property such as a townhouse or apartment? For some, this style of living enhances the lifestyle they have chosen far better than a conventional free standing home.

Tip 5: Are the local schools ideal for sending your children to? Are they close to the home you are considering purchasing? If not, how easy is it for your children to get to them?

Tip 6: Are you considering the area where you are purchasing to be a reasonable distance from your job, friends and support network? How much time will you spend travelling to go to work or visiting people?

Tip 7: When looking for a home to buy, what amenities are important to you and your family? Do you need to readily access, doctors, hospitals, or even the airport?

Tip 8: Are you buying for the long term? Are extensions possible if your future needs change? Is this home a long-term low maintenance home or will you be doing major repaints every 10 or so years?

Tip 9: If you are buying for the short term as a way up the property ladder, make sure you know it has great resale potential.

Tip 10: Keep your emotions out of the picture when you are looking at how much you can take on as a mortgage. Interest rate rises need to be factored in, no matter how much you love that house!

Tip 11: Don’t miss out on a ‘hot’ property, do everything you can to be able to push the ‘GO’ button. It is wise to seek "approval in principle" from your Lender, meaning the Lender has given you approval to borrow up to a certain figure which will show the sellers how secure your offer is.